For the next month Galway will host the ‘Dáil 100’ exhibition commemorating a century since the meeting of the first Dáil Éireann in January 1919.
The were four representatives from Galway at the fore of this first historic meeting of Dáil Éireann in the Mansion House where Ireland affirmed its independence.
Pádraic Ó Máille represented Connemara, back when that constituency also included Galway city; Bryan Cusack stood for North Galway; Galway’s 1916 Rising leader Liam Mellows representing East Galway; and Frank Fahy represented South Galway.
To celebrate this, and as part of a programme of events to mark the first public sitting of Dáil Éireann in 1919, County Hall on Prospect Hill will host the exhibition until Friday, September 13.
The exhibition begins with the first public meeting of Dáil Éireann on January 21st, 1919, with iconic images which chart important moments in Irish society and explain how they shaped the State today.
It explores an unbroken century of Irish parliamentary democracy and aims to educate the public about the role and importance of the Irish Parliament.
Cllr Jimmy McClearn, Cathaoirleach of the county council, said “I think it is important to reflect on the legacy of the First Dáil and the fact that Ireland is one of a few new states established in the aftermath of the First World War which has remained a continuous democracy.”
“Therefore, I am delighted that we have been given the opportunity to have this very important exhibition here in Áras an Chontae for the next month.”
“It is an exhibition that tells the story of Dáil Éireann and how legislation and Parliamentary activity has affected Irish society through the past 100 years.”
Dáil Éireann first met in the Round Room of the Mansion House on January 22 of 1919 after the general election of 1918 saw pro-independence candidates sweep the field.
On the day, 27 members were present in the Mansion House, while many others could not attend due to being on the run or in jail.
They declared Irish independence, sought international recognition for Ireland’s freedom, and set about the process of building a State.
